Latest California Healthline Stories
CMS Clarifies 2007 Rules on ‘Co-Branding’ Drug Plans
Medicare prescription drug plan sponsors in 2007 can partner with outside organizations to promote their products, CMS says. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Action Needed on Universal Coverage Proposals
Assembly proposals to provide universal health care coverage for children likely would reduce costs for all Californians in the long run, according to an Assembly member. San Jose Mercury News.
Health Disparities Affect Low-Wage Workers
Low-wage workers in the Central Coast region face a number of health disparities, including higher rates of being uninsured and lower rates of receiving preventive health services, according to a study. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
States Revise Medicaid Programs
Kentucky and West Virginia are the first two states to revise their Medicaid programs under a federal law that allows increased flexibility. AP/San Diego Union Tribune.
Prisons Report Illness Outbreak
Health officials are investigating a bacterial disease outbreak at eight prisons in Northern and Central California. San Francisco Chronicle.
Second Medical Testing Firm Gets Subpoena
Attorney General Bill Lockyer has subpoenaed a second medical testing firm for issues related to Medi-Cal billing. Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times, Reuters.
The Senate Finance Committee is investigating whether morale problems at CDC are impacting the agency’s ability to perform its duties. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Union Workers: County Salary Offer Unfair
Health and social services workers in Contra Costa County held a one-day walkout two days before contract negotiations begin to protest what they call unfair proposals on salaries and job cuts. Contra Costa Times.
Legislators Take Up Health IT Legislation
A House subcommittee will mark up a bill that would promote the use of health IT and establish national standards on privacy and implementation of electronic health records. CQ HealthBeat.
Low-Income Teens More Likely To Be Overweight
The percentage of teenagers ages 15 to 17 who are overweight is 50% higher in low-income families than in higher-income families, a study found. AP/Long Island Newsday et al.